Tuesday, September 24, 2013

2014 Giro d'Italia, Stage 12

In advance of the official 2014 Giro d’Italia presentation in October, an individual time trial, scheduled for 22nd May, has been announced at the Interbike Show in Las Vegas, USA.


It will be a very challenging individual time trial of 46.4km amidst the backdrop of the famous northern Italian Piedmont Langhe region’s vineyeards around the area of Alba.

Starting from Barbaresco, the route will descend into the valley of the Tanaro before settling into 30km of fast, straight and mostly flat roads. After Cherasco, the riders will start the Bergne climb, itself surrounded by vineyards, a fourth category climb with points for the King of the Mountains competition.

Following the summit, the course heads downwards amidst the picturesque vines along a very technical descent. This spits rides into the final short climb before the finish in Barolo. Besides technical riding, the area’s socio-cultural capital is central to the Corsa Rosa. The Piedmont Region itself is a land of wine and cycling that has given birth to so many champions: from Costante Girardengo, Fausto Coppi, and Franco Balmamion to Italo Zilioli to name just few. In 2014, the region will again host an amazing sporting event with a unique taste through the area.

Click to enlarge

In Piedmont were born true legends of cycling, as Coppi and Girardengo,” said Alberto Cirio, Minister for Sport and Tourism of the Region of Piedmont. “A land shaped for two wheels, with more than 300 routes between mountains, plains and hills. The Giro d’Italia 2014 will offer a taste of it, beginning with the suggestive time trial stage Barolo-Barbaresco, which will pass through the beautiful landscapes of the Langhe wine area, candidate to become UNESCO World Heritage Site.”


“An interesting blend of wine and sport, provided by one of the stages of the Giro d’Italia 2014, the time trial stage Barolo-Barbaresco,” said Mauro Carbone, Alba Bra Langhe Roero Tourism Association Director. “Two wines, along with that of Moscato, who will speak to the American public about the Langhe hills, the perfect location for cycling holidays. Activities beloved by Americans who, during their stay in our territory, together with the pleasure of the bike, join the discovery of the wine world. A common story: wines like Barbaresco, Barolo and Moscato, born in conjunction with the Giro d’Italia, they meet again this evening to celebrate the two Italian excellence in the world.”

“Barbaresco, Barolo... two cities that also give their names to two wines,” said Pier Bergonzi, Editor in Chief of La Gazzetta dello Sport. “Two words that just say them and you have to smile thinking about the story they have behind and emotions that can produce. Just like the Giro d’Italia and our newspaper, which for over 100 years are synonymous with high-level sport but also of culture and traditions of our country. That's why the time trial stage Barolo-Barbaresco has everything to become an iconic stage of the most loved race by Italians, and not only...”.

Related story in ICJ:
Piedmont Cycling Resort


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